I totally agree with the ways you have listed to make a family meal more enjoyable. My plan is to go around the world. I make an Asian dish, then a Mexican dish, a southern dish, sandwiches, coney dogs from New York, Philly cheese steak, burgers, tater tot hot dish, and so on. I don't have the same thing twice in one week. After I have made all the things I know, then I look for new recipes to tweak. The Food Network and other cooking shows I watch and create from there. My family really enjoys my creations and they get added to the World menu. I do plan ahead also. When shopping, I buy ingredients that will spread over multiple dishes. This does save money and time. Thanks for sharing #CoolPeopleIFB #SteemDrive